Best Cabin Air Filter: Keep Musty Odors and Dust at Bay

Yes, you heard that right “Your car breathes”, just like we all do. It takes in air and it breathes out, well, exhaust. But just as air, particularly the oxygen it contains, is one of the most important substances sustaining life in your body, it’s also one of the most important substances sustaining life in your car.

Best Cabin Air Filter Review

Now! We are going to discuss in detail CABIN AIR FILTERS. Why use them? What are the functions and benefits? What are their Key Features? How to choose the best filter for your cabin? & many more all related to your CAR’s Cabin and HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System).

WHY Are They So Important?

Among other filters, CABIN AIR FILTERS are responsible for cleaning the air that enters a car’s cabin. Now let’s take a moment and think of a time when you had to deal with dust, bad smell of exhaust fumes. It all happens due to a clogged cabin air filter that you forgot/neglect to change. Next time if you deal with such an issue consider replacing your Cabin Air Filter. Now for that, you have to keep reading this article.

Benefits of Cabin Air Filters

• Prevents dust, moisture, small bugs, dirt, exhaust fumes, etc. to enter the cabin of your car.
• Filters the air that enters your car through HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System).
• Prevents different allergies by blocking pollens, dust, and other fumes from entering the cabin.
• Helps to protect interior and gadgets from wearing out by keeping the cabin clean.

Key Features To Look For In A Car Cabin Air Filter

Below is the list of main key features which one should consider every time you replace your cabin air filter:

Compatibility:

Each car model is designed uniquely so if a brand claims that the Cabin air filter is Universal and fits all models, it’s almost a myth and not necessarily true. Always check if Air filter is compatible with your car.

Safety:

Cabin air filters are designed to block dust particles, exhaust fumes, pollens, bugs, and other foul odors from entering the cabin. If a person is sensitive to pungent odors or has any sort of dust allergies then these are best to avoid such issues.

Durability:

While some cabin air filters need to be changed after 12 months or 12,000 miles, others can last for even longer.

Driving Conditions:

If you commute through an urban environment plagued by pollution on regular basis then you should consider a HEPA-rated filter. In case you don’t travel frequently and have a clean environment around then any average filter is good to go.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CAR CABIN AIR FILTER

Before selecting a new cabin air filter, one should know about the different types of filters available to choose from. Let’s move towards different types of Cabin filters from which you can choose one that is compatible with your ride.

Types of Cabin Air Filters:

If it’s the time to change your Cabin Air filter then you should know about the following types as all filters do not perform in the same way.

1. Charcoal Cabin Air Filters

• Charcoal cabin air filters block dust and debris and also absorbs exhaust fumes and unpleasant odors.
• For the best results, these filters should be changed once per year or every 15,000 miles.

2. Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filters

• Activated carbon filters are almost similar to charcoal cabin air filters with the additional quality of absorbing airborne contaminants that pass through your car’s ventilation system.

3. Particle Cabin Air Filters

• Particle cabin filters block tiny particles before they enter your car cabin. These filters are ideal for filtering out pollen, dust, smoke, mold spores, bugs, insects, and other small particles.

4. Electrostatic Cabin Air Filters

• Each layer of an electrostatic cabin air filter is electrostatically charged it helps in blocking ultra-fine particles, including cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, mold spores, bacteria, and diesel carbon.

5. HEPA Cabin Air Filters

• HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters provide a filtration efficiency rate of 7% at 0.3
• HEPA Cabin Air Filters designed to trap microscopic pollutants including pollen, mold, and common allergens
• Melt-blown electrostatic layer providing very dense media
• Structural ribs provide additional stability and durability.

BEST CABIN AIR FILTERS 2022

We have created a list of bestsellers to help you find the best car cabin air filters of 2022. Check out our top picks below!

1. POTAUTO MAP 1032C (CF8813A):

POTAUTO is a famous brand in providing quality aftermarket parts. The main reason you should buy their parts is that they are easy to install, quality is near to original and are reliable.

Compatibility:

This filter is highly recommended with HONDA & ACURA selected models for top performance.

So, if you are planning to purchase new cabin air filters make sure to check their compatibility with your ride. Otherwise, you might face difficulty in fitting, performance, and overall waste of time and money.

Safety:

MAP 1032C (CF8813A) is based on Upgraded Activated Carbon which enables to block of all types of dust, debris, allergens, pollens, and other tiny particles from entering the HVAC system and cabin of your car and provides fresh and healthy airflow for the driver and passengers. It also reduces any pungent odors and exhaust fumes from vehicles.

Durability:

As far as durability is concerned this filter is good and requires to be replaced after every 12000 – 15000 miles or every 12 months whichever is earlier. Its durability and lifespan also depend on your daily usage. If you drive in an urban area where air quality is not good and traffic jams are usual you might have to change cabin filters quite often.

Driving Conditions:

Having this filter installed in your Honda or Acura you are good to go in rural & urban areas of the city it also supports long routes and highways as well and keeps the cabin fresh.

2. Mann Filter M6CUK26009:

Well MANN-FILTERS is the best fit for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, or off-highway applications. Original MANN‑FILTER products in 100% OE Quality are trusted around the world.

Compatibility:

Mann Filter M6CUK26009 is best compatible with AUDI selected models. Now if you are an Audi user and pay a ton of money to mechanics for changing cabin air filters then this product is made for you. Just read the installation manual and all you need is 10 minutes to install these cabin filters by yourself which will save you time & money.

Safety:

These filters come with an activated charcoal layer that keeps all the dust, debris, pollen allergens, exhaust fumes, and other musty smells away from your car’s cabin and provides fresh & healthy airflow for driver and passengers.

Durability:

The life span of this filter is 12000 miles or 12 months whichever is earlier. If you are going off-road or desert then it may decrease the life of cabin air filters.

Driving Conditions:

They perform exceptionally in rural and urban areas of the city. Even performs well if you are going off-road or traveling through the desert but keep in mind that the life of the filter depends on its usage so whenever you feel a musty smell or decreased airflow after an off-road ride does check your filters.

3. EPAuto GP159 (CA10159):

EPAuto GP159 (CA10159) is basically designed as a replacement for Toyota Engine Air Filter for Prius (2004-2009) with an Extra Guard Rigid Panel. However, it is also suggested to Replace a Cabin Air Filter with CP846 (CF9846A).

Compatibility:

As a Cabin air filter, these are only compatible with Toyota Prius models.

Safety:

These air filters are based on activated carbon & soda which makes the air in the cabin fresh and cleaner. Due to activated carbon dust, debris, allergens, and pollens are blocked from entering the cabin of your car and help to maintain a healthy environment for drivers and passengers.

Durability:

These filters have a life span of 12000 miles or 12 months whichever is earlier. It is recommended to replace them if the musty odor is felt in cabin as they are only compatible with Prius specific models.

Driving Conditions:

If you are driving a Prius with these Cabin filters you don’t have to worry about driving conditions. You will enjoy a fresh and healthy environment in the cabin of your ride while driving in rural and urban areas of the city as well as on highways and long routes.

4. EPAuto CP134 (CF10134):

The EPAuto CP134 Premium Cabin Air Filter is based on activated carbon & soda which makes the air in the cabin fresh and cleaner. It’s also easy to install and overall improve HVAC performance.

Compatibility:

This cabin air filter is mostly compatible with HONDA & ACURA selected models making it easy for users to pick this one as a good replacement for their cars.

Safety:

Due to the presence of activated carbon & soda EPAuto CP134 Premium Cabin Air Filter is able to block dust and debris from entering your car’s cabin and generate fresh breeze air.

Durability:

The EPAuto CP134 Premium Cabin Air Filter recommended replacement is 12 months or 12000 miles.  Replacing these would not be a problem due to their low price. So, if you own a Honda or Acura then these might be your next cabin filters.

Driving Conditions:

EPAuto CP134 is expected to handle dust and debris easily due to activated carbon & soda so there is no doubt it will provide cleaner air for the driver and passenger in almost all routes. However, it might not handle bad smells and foul odors well.

5. K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter:

The K&N Premium Cabin Air Filters are among the top and best sellers in the market. This cabin air filter is designed in such a way that it covers almost every aspect required. From blocking dust particles and odors, it’s eco-friendly design makes it best to protect the HVAC system of your car’s cabin.

Compatibility:

The K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter is compatible with a number of vehicles, including Toyota, Subaru, Land Rover, Jaguar, Lexus, and Scion models. In other words, K&N covers the majority of brands and their variants in the auto market.

Safety:

This air filter uses state-of-the-art filtration technology and an electrostatic charge to protect against mold, dust, mildew, fungi, germs, and other pollutants. After using this cabin air filter, you don’t need to worry about pungent smells or dust particles. It truly delivers a noticeable difference in maintaining your cars HVAC and cabin’s air as compared to other filters in the market.

Durability:

These K&N filters are engineered to be washable, reusable, and durable all these properties make a single filter to last for the life span of your car. The reusability of these filters makes them more Eco- friendly as they help in reducing pollution.

Driving Conditions:

After installing these filters in your car, you should not worry about driving conditions anymore. The electrostatic cabin filter will protect your ride in every driving condition whether it’s a rural or urban area you can totally depend on these filters.

6. EPAuto CP819 (CF11819):

Similar to “CP134 (CF10134)” EPAutoCP819 (CF11819) Cabin Air Filter is also based on activated carbon & soda which makes the air in the cabin fresh and cleaner. It’s also easy to install and overall improve HVAC performance.

Compatibility:

These filters are best suitable for brands like Hyundai, Chevrolet, GMC, KIA, and Saturn. However, for better performance, it is recommended to check the list of all compatible models provided by EP AUTOS before buying these filters.

Safety:

EPAutoCP819 (CF11819) filters contain soda and carbon which enables them to block out dust particles, allergens, small bugs, all exhaust fumes, and any other bad smells from the cabin of your ride. Thanks to activated carbon and soda which helps in maintaining fresh airflow and protects the HAVC of your car.

Durability:

These filters work perfectly for 12 months or 12,000 miles whichever is earlier after that it is recommended to replace them to keep on enjoying the clean and fresh air in your car’s cabin.

Driving Conditions:

These filters are highly recommended if you commute frequently in both rural and urban areas of the city the performance remains the same even going off road or being stuck in bad traffic jams.

7. Puroma Cabin Air Filter:

Well, we are already familiar with the Puroma brand for their quality home improvement tools and reliable combination locks, bicycle accessories, and other home devices. Puroma aims to develop more practical and creative innovations that cater to customer’s needs.

Compatibility:

These cabin air filters are the best fit for the brands like LEXUS, TOYOTA, PONTIAC, SCION & LAND ROVER but are not limited to just these. However, it is recommended that one should check if these filters match with their car otherwise it’s a waste of time, money, and effort.

Safety:

The Puroma Cabin Air Filter features an activated charcoal layer that efficiently removes dust and particles, preventing them from entering the cabin to provide you and your passengers with a healthier in-car environment.

Durability:

These filters will last 12,000 miles or every 12 months, if any musty odor emits from vents of your cabin or HAVC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system is in-efficient consider replacing your cabin air filters.

Driving Conditions:

Due to the presence of an activated charcoal layer and advanced filter technology you should not worry about dust and debris and other particles. Suits both rural and urban areas of the city.

8. TYC 800001P2 Best Cabin Air Filter:

If you are a person who loves to use original parts then you will choose TYC Cabin air filters for your car. TYC cabin air filter is specially designed to provide the same or even better results as compared to original cabin air filters.

Compatibility:

These cabin air filters are the best fit for ACURA & HONDA users. These filters are most compatible with 2002-2006 Acura RSX, 2002-2006 Honda CR-V, 2002-2005 Honda Civic & 2003-2011 Honda Element.

Safety:

A TYC cabin air filter is designed to provide the same or better performance as compared to the original filter. The identical dust load capacity ensures the same amount of blocking dust and other particles, while the factory-correct level of pressure drop ensures proper airflow through the car’s cabin. In fact, the filter eliminates nearly 100% of all exhaust pollutants and other airborne contaminants and keeps the internal air circulation clean all the time.

Durability:

These cabin air filters are recommended to be replaced every 12000 miles or 12 months. As these filters are easy on the budget and easy to install that might not be a problem for ACURA& HONDA users.

Driving Conditions:

TYC cabin filters are extremely compatible in both rural and urban areas even in heavy traffic jams due to heavy dust load capacity you don’t need to worry about exhaust smells or any dust particles.

9. Mann Filter CUK 2450:

Mann Filters act like a sponge, that is how the combo-filter ensures a healthy cabin environment. This modern filter consists of a non-woven-based particle filter and contains an activated charcoal layer and a carrier media to improve stability.

Compatibility:

These filters are the best fit for AUDI selected models and are exactly the same. If you have an Audi then you should stop wasting money on expensive filters and switch to this filter and it fits perfectly and is very easy to install.

Safety:

Cabin air filters with activated carbon from MANN-FILTER prevent nearly 100% of even the tiniest particles from entering your car’s cabin. All particles like pollen, soot, dust, and even particulate matter are blocked from entering the car.

Durability:

To keep on enjoying the healthy and fresh cabin environment free from bacteria and other particles that may prove dangerous for your health you should consider replacing every 12000 miles or 12 months.

Driving Conditions:

If you have installed this cabin filter you need not worry about driving conditions at all. Activated carbon layer will constantly maintain the inner atmosphere of your cabin in all types of routes whether it’s rural-urban off-road or a highway. One important thing to consider here is that with increased use the durability of the filter decreases and also its life. So, keep a track of your miles and enjoy your ride.

10. ECOGARD XC10022C:

This Cabin Air Filter has carbon-impregnated media that removes & filters 99. 5% of all dust, pollen, air pollution, allergens, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants from the outside air before it reaches the cabin of your car.

Compatibility:

These cabin air filters are highly recommended for the selected models of Buick Enclave, Cadillac, Chevrolet. To save money and time just check the list of models compatible with these filters and install them by yourself.

Safety:

This Cabin Air Filter has carbon-impregnated media to help eliminate all bad odors, pungent exhaust fumes, soot dust, and debris and keep your car’s interior air smelling fresh.

Durability:

Manufacturers recommend every 12 months or 12, 000 miles. In areas with higher pollutants in the air, it is recommended that you may change the cabin filter twice a year to keep your HVAC system clean.

Driving Conditions:

With ECOGARD XC10022C you can go off-road it performs well even in wildfires and does not let any of the particles enter the cabin of your car. It might not be wrong to say they are better than the stock cabin air filters.

WHEN TO CHANGE CABIN AIR FILTER

The air flowing into the cabin through the air conditioning system when a vehicle is moving is about 5 times more contaminated with exhaust gases, pollutants, and allergens than the air on the side of the road. Cabin air filters ensure that drivers and passengers in vehicles breathe in as little as possible of this contaminated air.

To best protect against these dangers your cabin air filter needs to be changed regularly. Over its life cycle, a cabin air filter is constantly absorbing dirt particles. With increased contamination, its efficiency decreases and it can no longer fulfill its filtration.

To ensure clean air in the cabin and protect against invisible dangers when driving, it is necessary to change the cabin air filter at intervals of at least every 12,000 miles or 1x per year.

CAR CABIN AIR FILTER FAQ

Really curious about what a cabin air filter does? How often your car’s cabin air filter should be replaced?  This brief FAQ will answer the most commonly asked questions about cabin air filters.

What Does a Cabin Air Filter Do?

Your car’s cabin air filter cleans the air that comes through your car’s HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air-conditioning System) is designed to catch dust, pollen, and other airborne material.

Do All Cars Have a Cabin Air Filter?

A majority of cars come standard with a cabin air filter. If you’re unsure if your vehicle has a cabin air filter, check your owner’s manual.

How Often Should I Change the Cabin Air Filter in My Car?

Most of the Cabin Air filter comes with step- to – step guidelines which makes it simple to change them at home. Typically, though, manufacturers recommend changing the cabin air filter in your car every 12,000 or 15,000 miles.

Does a Mechanic Have to Change the Cabin Air Filter?

Well, that depends, if you are a new user then you might need a mechanic otherwise musty odor and decreased airflow is a good indicator that you need to change the Air filters. Changing your cabin air filter can save you both time and money. Rather than waiting at the mechanic and wasting a ton of money to change the cabin air filter.

How do I Change the Cabin Air Filter in My Car?

First, figure out where your cabin air filter is. Most are located behind the glove compartment, or beneath the windshield. Changing your car cabin air filter doesn’t require many tools, and can be done quickly.

Does the Cabin Air Filter Affect My Car’s AC?

Of course! That’s why it’s so essential to change your cabin air filter regularly. If your car’s filtration system is clogged, it will lead to a lack of airflow. For maximum airflow and better ventilation, change your cabin air filter regularly.

Take care of your Car’s Respiratory system (HVAC).

After reading this detailed article now you have all the essential knowledge of what a cabin air filter is, why it’s essential, and how often you should be replacing the one in your car. Now you just need to check the compatibility of your car and be confident while selecting the filter of your choice & be healthy and enjoy a fresh ride.